There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole straight out of the oven. This Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe layers seasoned ground beef with tender potatoes and ooey-gooey cheddar, all topped off with crispy fried onions. If you love hearty, no-fuss family meals, you’re going to adore this one.

The dish is a casserole in a white rectangular baking dish, showing a golden brown crust made of melted cheese and crispy fried onions on top, sprinkled lightly with green herbs. Beneath the crust are visible layers of ground meat and creamy sauce mixed with small pieces of red and green peppers, along with slices of soft, pale yellow potatoes. A wooden spoon lifting a portion reveals the creamy texture inside, with layered potato slices and mixed ingredients blending together. The surface underneath is white marble, and the image conveys a warm, hearty meal. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this casserole; it was a chilly evening, and the whole family gathered around with smiles, digging into a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. That’s the magic of this recipe!

Layered Comfort: Each layer builds on the last, creating rich, comforting flavors in every bite.
Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything for this classic in your pantry and fridge.
Hands-Off Baking: Once it’s assembled and in the oven, you can relax and let the casserole work its magic.
Feeds a Crowd: With 10 generous servings, it’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe comes together with some pantry staples and fresh ingredients that blend beautifully. When shopping, go for fresh russet potatoes that are firm and unblemished, and pick good-quality ground beef for the best flavor.

Flat lay of fresh ground beef shaped into a neat mound, a half large onion diced into small white cubes, diced red bell pepper pieces, diced green bell pepper pieces, a pile of peeled russet potatoes sliced thinly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy evaporated milk, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth cream of mushroom soup, a small white ceramic bowl containing cream of chicken soup, a heap of shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, a small pile of golden fried onions, a small white ceramic bowl holding fine ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse salt, whole uncracked brown eggs placed neatly aside, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground beef: It’s the hearty base; I love using 80/20 for a perfect balance of flavor and fat.
Salt and ground black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every layer.
Diced onion: Adds a sweet-savory depth when sautéed with the peppers.
Diced red and green bell peppers: Bring freshness and a mild crunch contrast.
Russet potatoes: Their starchy, fluffy texture holds up well during baking.
Evaporated milk: Adds creaminess without extra heaviness.
Cream of mushroom soup: Brings an earthy, rich flavor to the sauce.
Cream of chicken soup: Contributes savory umami and ties all the flavors together.
Shredded cheddar cheese: For melty, cheesy goodness that makes every bite irresistible.
Fried onions: The ultimate crispy topping that adds texture and a pop of flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe is wonderfully flexible, making it easy to tailor to your family's tastes and dietary needs. Whether you're looking to lighten it up or add a fun twist, there's plenty of room to get creative.

Ground Turkey or Chicken Swap: I’ve often replaced the ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner, lighter casserole that still retains all the comforting flavors.
Crunchy Topping Alternative: When fried onions aren’t on hand, I like using breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter for a deliciously crisp contrast on top.
Extra Veggie Boost: Adding chopped mushrooms or shredded carrots to the beef mixture is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies without losing that hearty texture.
Make-Ahead Convenience: For busy days, assembling the casserole the night before and refrigerating it makes dinner prep a breeze. Just remember to add about 15 extra minutes to the baking time to cook it through from cold.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe

A white bowl filled with a layered cheesy casserole showing creamy white sauce, browned ground meat pieces, melted orange and white cheese layers with some green and red bell peppers mixed in, and slices of yellow cooked potatoes visible underneath; a silver spoon scoops some of the cheesy mix from the bowl resting on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Getting Ready With Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit—this warm-up is key to ensuring even baking later on. Then, grab a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish and give it a good spray with pan spray so nothing sticks when the casserole bakes.

Step 2: Brown That Beef and Build Flavor

Place your 2 pounds of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook it thoroughly until there’s no pink left, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks for even browning. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to bring out those rich, savory notes.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies Until Soft and Aromatic

Next, toss in 1 cup diced onion, ½ cup diced red bell pepper, and ½ cup diced green bell pepper. Cook everything together for a few minutes until the onions become translucent and tender. Drain any excess fat, and then remove the skillet from the heat—this mix adds vibrant flavors and a little freshness to the dish.

Step 4: Prep Your Potatoes Like a Pro

Peel 2 pounds of russet potatoes and slice them thinly—using a mandoline slicer here can help you get consistent, even slices that will cook just right. Submerge the slices in a large bowl of cold water to prevent browning while you work on the rest.

Step 5: Whisk Up the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine 1 (12-ounce) can of evaporated milk, 1 (10.5-ounce) can of cream of mushroom soup, and 1 (10.5-ounce) can of cream of chicken soup. Whisk until you get a smooth, creamy sauce that will soak into the layers beautifully.

Step 6: Layer Time—Building Your Casserole

Drain the potato slices and gently pat them dry to avoid excess moisture. Then, arrange half of the potato slices evenly on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the seasoned meat and veggie mixture over the potatoes, pour half of the creamy sauce on top, and sprinkle with 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the same layers with the remaining ingredients for a perfectly balanced casserole.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches Before Baking

Top the last cheese layer with 1 cup of crispy fried onions—it adds a wonderful texture and flavor contrast. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture locked in while baking, which helps those potatoes become tender and melty inside.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pop your casserole into the oven and bake for 75 to 80 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are tender and the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit—safe and perfectly cooked.

Step 9: Golden Brown Finish Under the Broiler

Carefully remove the foil and switch your oven to broil on high. Broil the casserole for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese and fried onions turn beautifully golden and crispy. Keep a close eye to avoid burning—this step gives it that irresistible, bubbly top.

Step 10: Rest Before Serving

Let your casserole rest for about 10 minutes. This little wait helps the flavors settle and the potatoes soak up any extra sauce, making it easier to slice and serve warm, cheesy, and comforting to every hungry plate.

Top Tip

Mastering the Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe is all about layering flavors and textures perfectly. These tips will make your casserole turn out moist, cheesy, and crispy just like you want every time.

Even Potato Slices: Using a mandoline slicer helps you achieve uniformly thin potato slices that cook evenly without getting mushy or underdone in the layers.
Drain Excess Fat: After cooking the beef and veggies, be sure to drain any extra fat to avoid a greasy casserole, which I learned the hard way during my first try.
Tight Foil Cover: Sealing the casserole tightly with foil during baking locks in moisture, ensuring tender potatoes and a creamy sauce throughout.
Broil for Crunch: Don’t skip the final broil step! It adds a gorgeous golden crust to the cheese and crispy fried onion topping, elevating the whole dish.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe

In a close-up view, a frying pan contains a base layer of cooked minced meat that is brown and crumbly, spread evenly across the pan. On top of the meat, there are three piles of diced vegetables: white onions on the right, bright red bell peppers in the center, and green bell peppers on the left. The onions are finely chopped and have a slightly translucent look, while the red and green peppers are fresh and vibrant with a crisp texture. The pan edges are visible, and there is some cooking moisture gathered in the center. The scene has a white marbled surface underneath, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten up your casserole with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce are also fantastic if you like a bit more zing alongside the comforting richness.

Side Dishes

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli, green beans, or carrots add freshness and texture for a well-rounded meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents the casserole from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through. For a crispier top, reheat the whole casserole in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, uncovered.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese for this casserole?

Absolutely! While cheddar cheese brings that classic, sharp flavor, you can substitute with mozzarella for gooey stretchiness, or even a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and pepper jack for a little kick.

Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?

Peeling the russet potatoes helps create a smoother texture in the casserole. However, if you prefer a more rustic feel and enjoy the nutrients in the skin, you can leave them on—just be sure to wash them thoroughly and slice thinly.

Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and keep it refrigerated. Just add about 15 extra minutes to the baking time when cooking straight from cold to ensure the potatoes cook through.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender after baking 75-80 minutes and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The final broil step will give the topping a golden, crispy finish.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe is one of those timeless comfort foods that brings everyone to the table with smiles. It’s rich, filling, and has just the right combination of creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole always hits the spot. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do savoring each warm, satisfying bite!